Ninth annual Lighting of the Green shines brightly with timeless talent, good cheer

By Bridgette Begle and Brianne Welch  The ninth annual Lighting of the Green brought rich tradition and holiday spirit to the Nashville community Tuesday night. Show regular Amy Grant was joined tonight by Ben Rector, David Phelps, Brenda Lee, Nicole C. Mullen, Hymns for Hunger & Friends (feat. Cindy Morgan and Andrew Greer) and the Stella family, including Nashville‘s Lennon & Maisy, for a night of music, merriment and plenty of bright Christmas lights. Fourth and fifth grade students from Lipscomb Academy, as well as the high school chorus, joined the University chorus on stage throughout the performance. The younger chorus tipped off the night with a medley of holiday classics, and the University chorus sang “Deck the Halls.” “We came here to hear one of our children sing in the chorus,” parent Heather Duncan said.” Our daughter is in the fifth grade at the campus school, so we’re looking forward to hearing everyone sing tonight.” About halfway through the show, Brenda Lee, singer of holiday classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” came onto the stage and ignited enthusiasm throughout the crowd. She asked for “eight really good singers,” and ended up with about 15 children, ranging from ages five to 20, to join her in the Christmas classic  “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Lee shared her delight in being a part of the night’s fun. “You know, when miss Amy Grant asks you to do something, it’s just awful hard to say no,” Lee said. “So I’m awfully proud to do this for Lipscomb. It’s a wonderful event.” Christian artist Nicole C.Mullen insisted the crowd stand during her song “365.” People...

Lighting of the Green sets lineup for 2013 show

For this year’s Lighting of the Green concert, Amy Grant will be bringing along plenty of friends for a night of Christmas joy. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Grant will be joined by Nicole C. Mullen, Brenda Lee, Ben Rector, Nashville‘s Lennon & Maisy, David Phelps and Hymns for Hunger & Friends (feat. Cindy Morgan and Andrew Greer), as well as a few of campus’ student choruses. The free concert begins on the Allen Arena Mall at 5:30 p.m., while other festivities will begin at 4 p.m. If there is rain, the event will be moved into Allen Arena. Those in attendance can provide Second Harvest Food Bank with either canned food or a cash donation. For more information on the evening’s festivities, visit Lipscomb’s website. Photo courtesy of...